Super spellers

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York, stands next to his mother Roopa (R) as he and Ansun Sujoe (L) of Fort Worth, Texas are joint winners of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York, stands next to his mother Roopa (R) as he and Ansun Sujoe (L) of Fort Worth, Texas are joint winners of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Joint winners Ansun Sujoe (L) of Fort Worth, Texas and Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York, hold the trophy they won in the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Joint winners Ansun Sujoe (L) of Fort Worth, Texas and Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York, hold the trophy they won in the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Co-winner Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York spells a word during the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Co-winner Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York spells a word during the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Contestants from earlier rounds take a selfie onstage during a commercial break during the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Contestants from earlier rounds take a selfie onstage during a commercial break during the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jacob Williamson of Cape Coral, Florida, reacts to spelling a word correctly during the final of the 87th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jacob Williamson of Cape Coral, Florida, reacts to spelling a word correctly during the final of the 87th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Finalists are filmed onstage during the 87th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Finalists are filmed onstage during the 87th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 29, 2014.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Lydia Loverin of Pittsfield, Massachusetts struggles with her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Lydia Loverin of Pittsfield, Massachusetts struggles with her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica struggles with his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica struggles with his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kasey Torres of San Angelo, Texas exhales after successfully spelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kasey Torres of San Angelo, Texas exhales after successfully spelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Summer Skye Hayes of Marianna, Florida spells her word in round two at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Summer Skye Hayes of Marianna, Florida spells her word in round two at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Amber Robinson of Homestead, Florida struggles with her word during round three of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Amber Robinson of Homestead, Florida struggles with her word during round three of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jennifer Tenant of Hollywood, Maryland reacts as she misspells her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jennifer Tenant of Hollywood, Maryland reacts as she misspells her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Seongjun Lee of Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea, misspells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Seongjun Lee of Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea, misspells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Navya Murugesan of Baton Rouge, Louisiana spells during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Navya Murugesan of Baton Rouge, Louisiana spells during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Zander Reed of Ames, Iowa adjusts the microphone before spelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Zander Reed of Ames, Iowa adjusts the microphone before spelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Audrey Melton of Rock Falls, Illinois struggles with her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Audrey Melton of Rock Falls, Illinois struggles with her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Matthew Prus of Cohutta, Georgia concentrates on his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Matthew Prus of Cohutta, Georgia concentrates on his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Christine Alex of Chicago spells during the round two preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Christine Alex of Chicago spells during the round two preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sean Hickey of Grass Lake, Massachusetts reacts as he misspells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sean Hickey of Grass Lake, Massachusetts reacts as he misspells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Brayden Kelley of Timberville, Virginia spells his word in a camouflage blazer and tie during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Brayden Kelley of Timberville, Virginia spells his word in a camouflage blazer and tie during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Ed Horan of Hoboken, New Jersey, struggles with his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Ed Horan of Hoboken, New Jersey, struggles with his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Isabelle Marie Simmons of Crofton, Maryland reacts as she misspells her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Isabelle Marie Simmons of Crofton, Maryland reacts as she misspells her word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Antonio Lansang of Brookings, South Dakota concentrates on his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Antonio Lansang of Brookings, South Dakota concentrates on his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Nathan Manaker of Orono, Maine spells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. Manaker, a seventh-grader, was among the first spellers ejected as winnowing of the 281 contestants, ages 8 to 15, began ahead of the finals on Thursday night. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Nathan Manaker of Orono, Maine spells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. Manaker, a seventh-grader, was among the first spellers ejected as winnowing of the 281 contestants, ages 8 to 15, began ahead of the finals on Thursday night. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Lloyd Bonds of Olanta, South Carolina walks off stage after misspelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Lloyd Bonds of Olanta, South Carolina walks off stage after misspelling his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica spells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica spells his word during round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Spelling contestants sit on stage behind the winning trophy before round two of the preliminary rounds at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Spelling contestants sit on stage behind the winning trophy before round two of the preliminary rounds at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Parents photograph their children on stage before round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Parents photograph their children on stage before round two of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jae Canetti of Fairfax, Virginia is eliminated after misspelling his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jae Canetti of Fairfax, Virginia is eliminated after misspelling his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Ansun Sujoe of Fort Worth, Texas struggles with his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Ansun Sujoe of Fort Worth, Texas struggles with his word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kate Miller of Abilene, Texas air types her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kate Miller of Abilene, Texas air types her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Hannah Jackson of Midland, Michigan struggles with her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Hannah Jackson of Midland, Michigan struggles with her word during the semifinals of the 87th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 29, 2014. The championship round will be held later today. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Contestant Prachi Kondapuram of the Bahamas (C) yawns while awaiting her turn during round three of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Contestant Prachi Kondapuram of the Bahamas (C) yawns while awaiting her turn during round three of the preliminaries at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland May 28, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)